The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has implemented a nationwide ban on transporting petroleum products and other inflammable substances in passenger vehicles.
This move aims to prevent fire-related accidents on Nigerian highways.
The announcement was made by FRSC Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide on Friday in Abuja.
Ogungbemide explained that this measure is a response to recent fire-related road crashes, which investigations have linked to the transportation of petroleum products.
“Following a series of fire-related crashes, the Corps Marshal ordered a thorough investigation,” Ogungbemide said. “The report revealed that petroleum products in transit often lead to catastrophic fires upon collision, causing fatalities that could have been avoided.”
To address this issue, “The FRSC will conduct nationwide awareness campaigns to educate road users about the dangers of transporting inflammable substances. The operation will include aggressive sensitisation efforts alongside regular patrols. “Drivers caught carrying these materials may face prosecution for endangering passenger safety,” Ogungbemide added. “The operation aims to ensure that such products are either removed from vehicles or properly stored.”
The FRSC has emphasised that no excuses will be accepted for non-compliance.
Ogungbemide stressed the importance of civil engagement in ensuring the safety of all road users. “The goal is to eliminate the risk of fire-related accidents by preventing the transportation of hazardous materials in passenger vehicles.”
FRSC officials have also urged passengers to report any vehicles carrying inflammable substances to FRSC patrol teams or through emergency contact lines. This initiative seeks to significantly reduce the risk of devastating fires on the nation’s roads.
